Franck Kessié is currently on international duty with the Ivory Coast ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Photograph: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images

Atalanta have rejected a £15m bid from Everton for Franck Kessié, with the Italian side determined to hold on to the 20-year-old until the end of the season despite continued interest from Chelsea.

Having had a £22m offer for Morgan Schneiderlin accepted by Manchester United on Tuesday night, Everton manager Ronald Koeman is pressing on with his plans to recruit more players in the January window after his side crashed out of the FA Cup to Leicester on Saturday. That has led to them launching a bid for Kessié, who is currently on international duty with the Ivory Coast before the Africa Cup of Nations having helped Atalanta climb to sixth place in Serie A.

The Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, is also a huge admirer of the powerful midfielder and club officials have been discussing whether to launch a formal bid for several weeks, having indicated they would be willing to pay €25m (£21m) at the end of December.

Atalanta are holding out for up to €35m-€40m (£30m-£34m) for Kessié, who spent last season on loan at Cesena but has become a key player for the Nerazzurri this campaign. The 20-year-old has scored six goals in 16 appearances so far this season and is also interesting Juventus.